A Pick Of New York Hotels

By Mark Johnson

The combination of a great location, just across from Central Park, large well-outfitted rooms, and typically excellent Ritz-Carlton service is as good as it gets.

Best Hotel for Modern New York Elegance: The Mercer

The best of the hip, downtown hotels, the Mercer is located in the heart of SoHo. The high-ceilinged, loft-like rooms and suites, some with fireplaces and all with ceiling fans and luxurious bathrooms, are spectacular.

Best for Classic Old World Elegance: Hotel Plaza Athénée.

That European feel pervades the hotel from the old-world design to the first-rate concierge service.

Best Trendy Hotel: The Hotel on Rivington

The first major hotel on the increasingly trendy Lower East Side is a glass marvel with floor-to-ceiling windows, views galore, soaking tubs, and THOR, one of the hottest bar/restaurants in the city.

Best Times Square Hotel: Hotel QT.

This moderately-priced recent (2005) addition to the Times Square hotel scene was a very welcomed one. There is much to like about the Hotel QT besides its price and location, but what many love best is the swimming pool — in the lobby — with a swim-up bar.